Electric Lighting Devices Having a Non-Homologous Projection Screen

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments of electric lighting devices having projection screens are described. Some embodiments include a housing, a projection screen coupled to the housing and comprising a first region that is translucent or transparent and a set of light sources configured to emit light onto a surface of the projection screen and include a projection screen having a laminate structure, while other embodiments include a video screen that is embedded within the projection screen.

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisionalapplication having Ser. No. 61/758,602 filed on Jan. 30, 2013. This andall other extrinsic materials discussed herein are incorporated byreference in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in anincorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition ofthat term provided herein, the definition of that term provided hereinapplies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is electric lighting devices, and especiallylighting devices configured to simulate a flickering flame.

BACKGROUND

The following background discussion includes information that may beuseful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admissionthat any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant tothe presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically orimplicitly referenced is prior art.

Various electric lights are known in the art. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No.8,132,936 to Patton et al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,070,319 to Schnuckle et al.,U.S. Pat. No. 7,837,355 to Schnuckle et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,261,455 toSchnuckle et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,159,994 to Schnuckle et al., U.S. pat.publ. No. 2011/0127914 to Patton et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,350,720 toJaworski et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,686,471 to Reichow; U.S. pat. publ. No.2005/0285538 to Jaworski et al. (publ. December 2005); U.S. Pat. No.7,481,571 to Bistritzky et al.; U.S. pat. publ. No. 2008/0031784 toBistritzky et al. (publ. February 2008); U.S. pat. publ. No.2006/0125420 to Boone et al. (publ. June 2006); U.S. pat. publ. No.2007/0127249 to Medley et al. (publ. June 2007); U.S. pat. publ. No.2008/0150453 to Medley et al. (publ. June 2008); U.S. pat. publ. No.2005/0169666 to Porchia, et al. (publ. August 2005); U.S. Pat. No.7,503,668 to Porchia, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,824,627 to Michaels, etal.; U.S. pat. publ. No. 2006/0039835 to Nottingham et al. (publ.February 2006); U.S. pat. publ. No. 2008/0038156 to Jaramillo (publ.February 2008); U.S. pat. publ. No. 2001/0033488 to Chliwnyj ; U.S. pat.publ. No. 2008/0130266 to DeWitt et al. (publ. June 2008); U.S. pat.publ. No. 2012/0024837 to Thompson (publ. February 2012); U.S. pat.publ. No. 2011/0134628 to Pestl et al. (publ. June 2011); U.S. pat.publ. No. 2011/0027124 to Albee et al. (publ. February 2011); U.S. pat.publ. No. 2012/0020052 to McCavit et al. (publ. January 2012); U.S. pat.publ. No. 2012/0093491 to Browder et al. (publ. April 2012); andEuropean publ. No. 1878449. However, while various mechanisms have beenused to more closely simulate a flickering flame of a candle, suchmechanisms suffer from one or more disadvantages.

Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth hereinshould be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints, andopen-ended ranges should be interpreted to include commerciallypractical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered asinclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates thecontrary.

Thus, there is still a need for improved electric candles and otherlight sources that more realistically imitate a flickering flame.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods inwhich one can simulate an appearance of a flame in an electric lightingdevice, such as an electric candle or light bulb. Preferred devicesinclude a projection screen coupled to a housing such that some or allof the projection screen extends from the housing.

The projection screen preferably includes at least a first translucent,and more preferably transparent, region to simulate a more realisticflame effect and is less obtrusive when the device is off. In somecontemplated embodiments, the bottom portion of the projection screencould be translucent or transparent, while in other embodiments, aperiphery of the projection screen could be transparent, or could fadeto transparent across a width of its periphery.

The device can also include a set of light sources that emit light ontoa surface of the projection screen.

Alternatively or additionally, the projection screen can comprise alaminate having a plurality of layers. As a few examples, the layers canadvantageously alter a visual makeup of the projection screen by addingclear or translucent regions, frosted areas, holographic material,reflective portions, refractive elements, a luminescent layer, and soforth.

In other embodiments, the projection screen could have an irregularouter surface.

In one aspect, electric lighting devices can include a housing having amemory and a video screen extending from the housing. The memorypreferably is configured to store one o more media files. Amicroprocessor coupled with the memory and video screen can present oneor more of the media files on the video screen.

Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventivesubject matter will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanyingdrawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-section view of one embodiment of an electriclighting device.

FIGS. 2A-2B are a front view and a side view of one embodiment of aprojection screen.

FIG. 3 is a front view of another embodiment of a projection screen.

FIG. 4 is a front view of another embodiment of an electric lightingdevice.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a projection screenhaving a laminate.

FIGS. 6A-6B are an exploded view and a side view of another embodimentof a projection screen having a laminate.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a projection screenhaving a laminate.

FIG. 8 is a front view of another embodiment of a projection screen.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a surface of projection screen having anaccordion surface.

FIGS. 10-11 are vertical cross-section views of two embodiments of anelectric lighting device having a video screen.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be noted that while the following description is drawn to acomputer/server flame simulation system, various alternativeconfigurations are also deemed suitable and may employ various computingdevices including servers, interfaces, systems, databases, agents,peers, engines, controllers, or other types of computing devicesoperating individually or collectively. One should appreciate thecomputing devices comprise a processor configured to execute softwareinstructions stored on a tangible, non-transitory computer readablestorage medium (e.g., hard drive, solid state drive, RAM, flash, ROM,etc.). The software instructions preferably configure the computingdevice to provide the roles, responsibilities, or other functionality asdiscussed below with respect to the disclosed apparatus. In especiallypreferred embodiments, the various servers, systems, databases, orinterfaces exchange data using standardized protocols or algorithms,possibly based on HTTP, HTTPS, AES, public-private key exchanges, webservice APIs, known financial transaction protocols, or other electronicinformation exchanging methods. Data exchanges preferably are conductedover a packet-switched network, the Internet, LAN, WAN, VPN, or othertype of packet switched network.

The following discussion provides many example embodiments of theinventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a singlecombination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter isconsidered to include all possible combinations of the disclosedelements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and asecond embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subjectmatter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A,B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an electric lighting device 100that simulates a flickering flame having a housing 102. Preferreddevices 100 include a projection screen 106 that may have a tear-drop orother shape to simulate the look of a flame. FIG. 1 shows a cutout of aprojection screen having a tear-drop shape with a concavity. Althoughthe projection screen 106 can be static with respect to the housing 102,it is preferred that the projection screen 106 be coupled to the housing102 such that the projection screen can be moved using an electromagnet,a fan, or other drive mechanism(s). The projection screen 106 caninclude (i) a face 112 and (ii) a back that faces away from the face112, and may have one or more concavities.

The specific construction and/or materials comprising the projectionscreen can vary, and is further discussed below. For example, the screencould be opaque, translucent, or transparent, or combinations thereof.In addition, the projection screen could have multiple layers and/ormultiple materials composing the projection screen. In some embodiments,the projection screen could be co-injection molded or insert injectionmolded to create a projection screen comprising different materialsand/or different transparencies. For example, the projection screencould have an outer edge that has a greater transparency than a middleportion of the projection screen. It is also contemplated that theprojection screen can have multiple faces, such as three or more faces,and/or could comprise various shapes including a cone, a sphere, or aninverted tear drop, for example.

At least a portion of the projection screen 106 extends from the housing102, and in some embodiments, an upper portion 114 can extend from thehousing 102 while a lower portion 116 can be disposed within the housing102. However, where the projection screen is static, it is contemplatedthat all or substantially all of the projection screen 106 will extendfrom the housing 102.

Device 100 includes first, second, and third light sources 120, 122, and124, respectively, disposed within the housing 102, and configured toemit light on to the face 112 of the projection screen 106, andpreferably on to an outer surface 110 of the screen 106. Of course, thelight sources could be disposed outside of the housing 102 withoutdeparting from the scope of the inventive subject matter discussedherein. Rather, than three individual light sources 120, 122, 124, it isalternatively contemplated that one or more of the light sources 120,122, 124 could comprise a set of micro-LEDs or other lights. Thus, forexample, instead of a traditional LED that may have a diameter of 1 mm,6-8 micro-LEDs or more could be used in the same space. In suchembodiments, it is especially preferred that the lights comprise RGBlights such that a variety of colors of light could be produced. It isalso contemplated that the light sources 120, 122, 124 couldcollectively comprise a RGB light, and could be used in conjunction withadditional RGB lights or other light sources.

It is especially preferred that each of the light sources 120, 122, and124 emits light at a predominant wavelength that is different from theother light sources. Thus, for example, the first light source 120 couldemit visible light in the orange spectrum (e.g., a predominantwavelength of between 590 nm-620 nm), the second light source 122 couldemit white light, and the third light source 124 could emit visiblelight in the blue spectrum (e.g., a predominant wavelength of between450 nm-495 nm).

In some contemplated embodiments, the light sources 120, 122, and 124can each be disposed at an angle with respect to the projection screen106 that is different from the other light sources. This enables lightemitted from the light sources 120, 122, and 124 to be directed atdifferent portions of the projection screen 106. For example, lightemitted from the first light source 120 can be directed predominantly atan upper portion of the outer surface 110 of the projection screen 106,light emitted from the second light source 122 can be directedpredominantly at a middle portion of the outer surface 110 of theprojection screen 106 below the upper portion, and light emitted fromthe third light source 124 can be directed predominantly at a lowerportion of the outer surface 110 of the projection screen 106 below themiddle portion.

In this manner, the visible lighting effect on the projection screen 106can include an orange color around a periphery of the projection screen106 with a blue color at its bottom.

Each of the light sources 120, 122, 124 can include or otherwiseinteract with a separate lens, or alternatively, a single lens could beused in conjunction with the light sources 120, 122, and 124.

FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate one embodiment of a projection screen 206 for usein an electric lighting device. The projection screen 206 can include atranslucent, and preferably transparent, outer perimeter or periphery207 shown as the area between the dashed lines. In some embodiments, theperimeter 207 can fade outwardly from opaque to clear or semi-clear inthe direction shown by arrows 209. It is especially preferred that theouter perimeter is transparent or 15% clear plastic.

It is contemplated that the projection screen 206 could be manufacturedusing a silkscreen that fades from its interior to its exterior and isprinted on. In other embodiments, the projection screen 206 couldcomprise a 2-3 laminated plastic piece having a clear outer edge and asolid interior. In still further embodiments, the projection screencould be made via injection molding.

As shown in FIG. 2B, light sources 220 and 222 can emit light on to aface 212 of the projection screen 206, and each emit a differentpredominant color of light (here, blue and yellow/orange. It is alsocontemplated that three or more light sources could be used, each ofwhich emits a different predominant color of light.

It is contemplated that a portion of the surface of the projectionscreen 206 could include an etching to form a non-planar surface. Theprojection screen 206 could also include molded-in refractive elementsthat refract light when hit and can be used to create diverse flameeffects when light from a LED or other light source impinge upon therefractive element.

FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of a projection screen 306 for usein an electric lighting device, and having clear bottom portion 326where a support member can pass through a hole 327 in the screen 306 toallow movement of the projection screen 306. It is contemplated that theprojection screen 306 could comprise 1-4 layers of plastic, each layerhaving a thickness of approximately of 0.005 mm.

FIG. 4 illustrates a device 400 for simulating a flame effect thatincludes a housing 402, from which a projection screen 406 extends. Theprojection screen 406 can include an outer perimeter 407 that fades toclear along its width, and a clear bottom portion 426. Bottom portionadvantageously includes an inverted arc 428 that simulates the shape ofa flame. Thus, as shown in the figure, the projection screen 406 canhave levels of transparency across its diameter. With respect to theremaining numerals in FIG. 4, the same considerations for likecomponents with like numerals of FIG. 2 apply.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a projection screen 506 thatincludes a laminate having first, second, and third layers 532, 534, and536, respectively, which collectively comprise the upper portion 514 ofthe projection screen 506. Contemplated layers could include areflective layer, a layer having holographic material, an opaque layer,a clear layer, a frosted layer, and so forth.

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate another embodiment of a projection screen 606comprising a laminate 607. The laminate 607 can include three layers660, 662, 664 or sheets of various plastic and a clear plastic substratelayer 666. The layers advantageously allow for different effectsdepending on the specific layer used, and also allow for differentmaterials to be embedded within the projection screen 606. For example,one layer could have a reflective surface, which can alter the flamesimulation effect of the device.

In this embodiment, the first layer 660 could comprise a 20% frostedlayer, for example, and the second layer 662 could comprise a reflectivelayer that is approximately 30% transparent. The third layer 664 cancomprise an opaque layer that fades to clear about its periphery. Theopaque layer advantageously helps prevent light from bleeding throughthe central portion of the projection screen 606 while allowing for aclear perimeter.

Projection screen 606 can further include a magnet 663 and be supportedin a device via wire 665.

FIG. 7 illustrates another possible combination of layers to form aprojection screen.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a projection screen 806 havinga holographic material 870 disposed in an inner portion thereof. Theholographic material could comprise colors and/or shapes etched intofoil, for example, and may comprise an image of a flame that movesdepending on the viewing angle of the holographic material 870. The useof holographic material 870 advantageously allows the projection screen806 to sparkle with real flame-like colors when hit with light.

Preferably, the holographic material 870 is encased or molded betweentransparent or semi-transparent plastic to prevent the material 870 frombeing dislodged. With respect to the remaining numerals in FIG. 8, thesame considerations for like components with like numerals of FIG. 3apply.

FIG. 9 illustrates an enlarged view of an outer surface of oneembodiment of a projection screen 906 having a non-planar and irregularsurface. In this embodiment, the surface can include an accordionsurface 902 on at least a portion thereof. The accordion surface 902comprises a first set of faces 903 and a second set of faces 904. Insome embodiments, one of the faces 903 or 904 can have a reflectivesurface.

In FIG. 10, another embodiment of an electric lighting device 1000 isshown that is configured to simulate an appearance of a flame. Device1000 can include a candle-shaped housing, although other form factorsare contemplated.

Device 100 can further include memory 1010 disposed on a circuit board1012, which is configured to store one or more media files. Board 1012preferably also includes a microprocessor 1014 configured to present theone or more media files on a video screen 1008. Video screen 1008 canextend from the housing 1002 and have an on and off state. Preferably,the screen 1008 is embedded into a substrate 1006 that may have a clearperimeter 1007. It is contemplated that video screen 1008 and/orsubstrate 1006 could be shaped to resemble a candle flame and may have aconcave surface.

In especially preferred embodiments, the video screen 1008 istransparent in the off state to hide the screen 1008 from view when noton.

In some contemplated embodiments, the video screen 1008 can have asurface area of no more than 9 cm².

Device 1000 can further include a wireless network card 1020 configuredto wirelessly receive a command signal or media files from a remotedevice. The microprocessor 1014 can control the video screen as afunction of the received command Contemplated commands include, forexample, change the video screen to the on state, change the videoscreen to the off state, and/or play a specific media file stored in thememory.

FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of an electric lighting device1100 is shown that is configured to simulate an appearance of a flameand has a housing 1102. In this embodiment, the memory andmicroprocessor can be embedded into the projection screen 1106, whicheliminates the video cables to the projection screen 1106 and allows formovement of the projection screen 1106 with respect to the housing 1102.

An electromagnet 1164 can be used to move the projection screen 1106through interaction of magnet 1162 in projection screen 1106 with theelectromagnetic field generated by the electromagnet 1164. Projectionscreen 1106 can also include a battery that can be charged via inductionusing an inductive coil 1166. Rather than an electromagnet, a fan ormotor could be used to cause movement of the projection screen 1106.

In such embodiments, it is contemplated that the projection screen 1106comprise a laminate between which wiring from the microprocessor 1114 tothe video screen 1108 can be disposed. With respect to the remainingnumerals in FIG. 11, the same considerations for like components withlike numerals of FIG. 10 apply.

In some embodiments, the video screen could comprise flexible film withLEDs, and could have different colors.

In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients,properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth,used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are tobe understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.”Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth inthe written description and attached claims are approximations that canvary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by aparticular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parametersshould be construed in light of the number of reported significantdigits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstandingthat the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scopeof some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numericalvalues set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely aspracticable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of theinvention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from thestandard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow,the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the descriptionherein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise.

The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve asa shorthand method of referring individually to each separate valuefalling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, eachindividual value is incorporated into the specification as if it wereindividually recited herein. All methods described herein can beperformed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein orotherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and allexamples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respectto certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminatethe invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of theinvention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should beconstrued as indicating any non-claimed element essential to thepractice of the invention.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the inventiondisclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each groupmember can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combinationwith other members of the group or other elements found herein. One ormore members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group forreasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion ordeletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the groupas modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markushgroups used in the appended claims.

As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term“coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which twoelements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirectcoupling (in which at least one additional element is located betweenthe two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with”are used synonymously.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many moremodifications besides those already described are possible withoutdeparting from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subjectmatter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the scope of theappended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification andthe claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possiblemanner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises”and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements,components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that thereferenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized,or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are notexpressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at leastone of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . andN, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from thegroup, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

1-142. (canceled)
 143. An electric lighting device that simulates anappearance of a flame, comprising: a candle-shaped housing; a screencoupled to and extending from an upper surface of the housing, whereinthe screen has an on state and an off state; a set of light sourcesdisposed on the screen; and a microprocessor disposed within the housingand coupled to the set of light sources.
 144. The device of claim 143,further comprising a memory configured to store a file, and wherein themicroprocessor is configured to cause the screen to present the fileusing the set of light sources.
 145. The device of claim 144, furthercomprising a wireless transceiver configured to receive a commandsignal, and wherein the microprocessor is configured to cause the screento project the video as a function of the command signal.
 146. Thedevice of claim 145, wherein the command signal comprises an instructionto change the video screen to the on state.
 147. The device of claim145, wherein the command signal comprises an instruction to change thevideo screen to the off state.
 148. The device of claim 143, wherein thescreen comprises a flexible film and the set of light sources, andwherein the set of light sources comprises LEDs.
 149. The device ofclaim 143, wherein the screen has a surface area of no more than 9 cm².150. The device of claim 143, wherein the screen is embedded within aplastic projection screen.
 151. The device of claim 143, wherein thescreen is affixed to the housing.
 152. The device of claim 143, whereinthe screen is pivotally coupled to the housing, and further comprising adrive mechanism configured to cause movement of the screen with respectto the housing, and wherein the drive mechanism is selected from thelist consisting of an electromagnet, a fan, and a motor.
 153. The deviceof claim 143, wherein the screen has a concave surface.
 154. The deviceof claim 143, wherein the screen is transparent when in the off state.155. An electric lighting device, comprising: an outer housing; aflame-shaped screen extending from the outer housing, wherein the screencomprises LEDs configured to simulate an appearance of a flame; a memoryconfigured to store one or more files; and a microprocessor disposedwithin the outer housing and coupled to the LEDs, wherein themicroprocessor is configured to present the one or more files on thescreen.
 156. The device of claim 155, wherein the screen is shaped toresemble a candle flame.
 157. The device of claim 155, furthercomprising a wireless transceiver configured to wirelessly receive afile.
 158. The device of claim 155, wherein the microprocessor isdisposed apart from the screen and within the outer housing.
 159. Thedevice of claim 155, wherein the screen includes a clear peripherycomposed of plastic.
 160. The device of claim 155, wherein the screencomprises a laminate having first and second layers.
 161. The device ofclaim 155, wherein the screen is affixed to the outer housing.
 162. Thedevice of claim 155, wherein the screen is movably coupled to the outerhousing.